Trubnikov M.N¹., Bijl M²., Khachatrian A³., Barkov D.A⁴., Savchenko T.N⁵., Vassanov A.Y⁵., Bodrova V.V⁶., Blagovo D.V¹.

¹ NGO "Returning to Life", Moscow, Russia; ² AIDS Foundation East-West, Moscow office; ³ UNAIDS, Moscow office; ⁴ Ministry of Health of Moscow Region, Moscow Regional Narcology Clinic, Moscow, Russia; ⁵ Laboratory of Mathematical Psychology of the Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia; ⁶ Russian Center for Public Opinion Research, Moscow, Russia

 
 
Issues: The National Programme on HIV/AIDS in the Russian Federation has been focusing its activities primarily on the HIV testing of various populations including injecting drug users (IDUs). Little is known on the social patterns of drug use, IDUs' motives for involvement in drug use and their psychological features that lead to the risk of HIV and STI. AIDS Foundation East-West (AFEW) in cooperation with regional NGOs and with financial support from the Open Society Institute initiated 46 harm reduction projects in Russia based on the results of rapid assessments and a number of behavioral studies. However these studies did not focus deeply on the psychological research component. There are numerous institutions in Moscow specialized in psychological and social research, but not involved in the urging problems of HIV/AIDS and drug use.

Description: For a psychosocial study among IDUs a working group from institutions and organizations with various professional affiliations was created. The Russian Center for Public Opinion Research in cooperation with the Faculty of Psychology of the Moscow State University developed the research methodology. The Laboratory of Mathematical Psychology of the Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences built up a database for processing the results of the field studies. AFEW provided an access to behavioral studies being conducted in IDUs and technical support for the study. The volunteers of the NGO "Returning to Life" facilitated the access to the target groups. The Narcology Service of Moscow Region provided administrative support and the Moscow office of UNAIDS provided technical support for the study.

Lesson learned: Identification of the potential counterparts and arranging them for cooperation build up a basis for carrying out a comprehensive research related to the psychosocial features of IDUs, risk factors to HIV and STIs and effectiveness of the harm reduction activities.

Recommendations: Multisectoral cooperation is a key factor in conducting research on multifaceted issues related to drug use and HIV prevention in IDUs. Though numerous institutions have a potential for such studies, special efforts are required for their motivation to participate and maintain their interest throughout the research.

 
 
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